Q : How do I download data directly using Geosoft's Oasis montaj DAP interface (free or full version)?

A : Read a description of Geosoft's Oasis montaj viewer and download a tutorial that describes how to download data from a DAP server.

Q : What is your DAP server's URL (for use in Oasis montaj)?

A : http://gdr.agg.nrcan.gc.ca/dcs

Q : How do I import the "Arcview Binary Raster" format (.FLT file) into ArcView (or ArcMap/ArcGIS)?

A : It depends which version of ArcView you use (other versions may be similar) :

• ArcView 3.2 : requires the Spatial Analyst component
• ArcView 8.2 or 8.3 : import the .FLT file with the converter found in the following location :
  • in ArcToolbox,
  • choose Conversion Tools,
  • choose Import to Raster,
  • choose Floating Point Data to Grid.

  This converts the .FLT to an ESRI Grid format.

Q : I get an error: "ArcToolbox warning: Required header file does not exist."

A : Try shortening the filenames, and the number of subdirectories in the path (ie. move the files closer to your root directory).

Q : I don't have software to process gridded data. How can I make image files from these data?

A : Images of gridded data can be rendered using software available as a free download from GEOSOFT Inc. The Oasis montaj Viewer can be used to display gridded data as colour shaded relief maps. These maps can be exported in a variety of standard bitmap image formats (.tif, .jpg, .gif etc.). In addition, the software has a taskbar button that allows one to define a map area, download data from the GDR DAP server, and automatically display the map image.

The following instructions are for version 6.2 of the free Oasis montaj Viewer.

Download the free Oasis montaj software (v6.2)

To create images:

1. Download and install the free Oasis montaj Viewer.
2. On the Oasis montaj task bar, click on 'File', then 'Project', then 'New'.
3. Enter a New Project Name.
4. On the task bar, click on the 'DAP' button, then 'New Map'.
5. Follow the dialogue boxes to define a map area and create a new map.
6. Click on 'DAP' again and then 'Find data (v6.1)'.
7. Authorize Internet Communication for the GDRIS for ESS Geophysical and Geochemical Data DAP Server (gdr.agg.nrcan.gc.ca).
8. In the 'Get DAP Data' dialogue box, click on the 'CanadA :Geoscience Data Repository' Dataset
9. Click on the desired data type (Base Layers, Geochemistry, or Geophysical Data)
10. Click on the desired data sub-type (eg. Aeromagnetic, Gravity, Lithoprobe or Radioactivity)
11. Click on the desired data form (Compilation/Survey, grid, etc)
12. Click on the desired data layer to select it
13. Click 'Get Data...'
14. Set Options in the 'DAP Data Options' dialogue box as required.
15. Click 'Ok'
16. Authorize Internet Communication
17. Click 'Exit'

The software will display the data as specified under step (o) above.

To export images:

1. Click on 'Map' on the taskbar.
2. Click on 'Export'
3. Choose an 'Output Format' from the dropdown menu.
4. Set the Image Resolution to your requirements.
5. Click 'Ok'.
6. Enter a name for the image file in the 'Exported file name' dialogue box.

Q : While extracting data, specifying the datum and projection information changes the data layer name and I end up downloading the wrong data set. How can ensure I get the right data?

A : DAP resets the data layer name to the active data layer on the display window after datum and projection information are provided. Simply reselect the data layer you wish to download and click on 'Ok'.

Q : Where do I enter latitudes and longitudes to zoom to my area of interest?

A : Depending on the resolution and size of your monitor, the lat/long extents box may not be visible. Scroll down to reveal the box.

Q : Is there a help tool for the DAP application?

A : The help tool for the DAP application can be accessed on:

• the Help button on the top menu bar of the application
• the icon on the application page